Question

Which of the following is true of all systems displaying simple harmonic motion?

• A. Movements is always up and down.
• B. Movement is always side to side.
• C. All SHM systems are man-made.
• D. All SHM systems involve springs.
• E. For all SHM systems, the amount of force restoring an object to its equilibrium position is proportional to the amount of the object's displacement from equilibrium.

Answer 1

The correct option is E For all SHM systems, the amount of force restoring an object to its equilibrium position is proportional to the amount of the object's displacement from equilibrium.

The basic necessity for a motion to be called a simple harmonic motion is that the resistive force acting on the object is proportional to the object's displacement from equilibrium position.

Hence $F\propto -x$

$⟹F=-kx$ hence option E is correct.